With a series of small changes and a high-fiber diet, 26-year-old Jordan Ring shares how in three years, he was able to lose and keep off over 30 pounds he gained during college. With the advice of his doctor, he focused on dietary fiber throughout his weight loss journey. He started his website, Fiber Guardian, to help people of all ages learn more about the high-fiber diet, and to prove that weight loss does not have to be extremely complicated.
Jordan’s Story (Focus on Dietary Fiber)
It all started when I went for a checkup at the doctor’s. I had not had a physical exam in quite a while, so I decided it might be a good idea to make sure that I was good to go. Boy, am I glad that I did!
Everything was normal, except for my weight. My doctor spelled it out plainly.
“You are overweight, and you need to start losing weight. You are young and should bounce back quickly.”
She added, “You need to be eating a high-fiber diet rich in fruits and vegetables.”
My thoughts at the time were “Okay, duh, I need to eat more fruits and vegetables, everyone knows that! But what is this fiber thing she is talking about?”
Yep, I am not afraid to admit my ignorance. I was a college grad and I had no idea what she was talking about. I didn’t know that dietary fiber was part of the reason why I was always told to eat my fruits and veggies!
However, I knew I needed to make a change, so I started researching the high-fiber diet. It definitely took some time, and it did not happen overnight. I gained weight over a 4 year span of time which meant that my body was reluctant to let go of that extra fat.
How Did I Lose Weight?
I went home from the doctor’s office that day with a new mindset: I was ready to change. No longer would I continue on the path that I was on! In particular I would:
- No longer be thwarted by my own ignorance and lack of focus.
- Thoroughly research what it meant to be on a high-fiber diet and apply what I found to my daily life.
- Focus on dietary fiber and ensure that I secured my daily amount each and every day.
- Find motivation in the results, which would in turn keep me accountable to continue to attain further progress.
What I found in my online research was very surprising. Dietary fiber is found in many foods! It can be found in fruits and veggies, to whole grain pasta, to beans and cereal to high-fiber bars. However, I wasn’t eating ANY of these foods. My fiber intake was practically zero every day.
For pretty much all of my life, I had been fiber deficient! And I soon learned that I was not alone. In fact, just about 95% of Americans do not get enough dietary fiber in their diets every day. Could this be part of the reason why America is one of the fattest countries in the world? I think so!
I was determined not to be in this 95%, so I went to the store and purchased some fruit, as well as some wheat pasta. I recognize that I didn’t necessarily “hit the ground running” but I took action and kept with it.
Here are some quick and easy ways that you can start a high-fiber:
- Find fruits you like.
- Find veggies you like.
- Eat these fruits and veggies more often.
- Find an exercise that you like.
- Exercise more often.
I know that this might seem too simple. However, start with the basics and then increase your consumption and activity level from there. I like to say that Rome wasn’t built in a day, and I firmly believe that saying needs to be your mantra with weight loss, fitness, and healthy eating.
It is much easier to start with just a few healthy habits and then add more as you go along. Doing so increases your chance of success in the long run, which is much more important than losing weight right away.
One Major High-Fiber Diet Tip
When starting a high-fiber diet you need to make sure you are drinking enough water. Water consumption is huge and will determine whether you ultimately succeed or fail. I drink a huge glass of water every morning to start my day. It definitely wakes me up and kick starts my metabolism.
If you don’t like just plain water then add lemon. Lemon water has its own set of health benefits (which are awesome!) but more importantly drinking it will boost your water intake.
75% of Americans go about their daily lives in a dehydrated state. Don’t become a statistic! Drink more water to lose weight and feel better.
Where I am Currently
I am currently in the best shape of my life, and I am at my lowest adult weight (that I can remember). I owe it all to small changes and the high-fiber diet. I continue to enjoy these foods to this day! My current repertoire includes:
- High-Fiber bars (for a quick and easy snack).
- Apples.
- Smoothies with bananas and other frozen fruit.
- Brown rice.
- Broccoli.
- Almonds and pistachios.
- Many other fruits, vegetables, grains, and nuts.
Final Thoughts on High-Fiber Diets
Remember to:
- Add fiber to your diet
- Drink enough water
- Enjoy life by becoming involved in a fun sport or activity.
With these simple steps you can start living the life you were meant to live. Losing weight and getting healthy is something that everyone can do. With the right amount of focus, determination, and knowledge, you can break free of the chains that have hindered you up until this point.
Jordan Ring loves blogging about fiber and sharing tips to inspire his readers. He enjoys making people smile, eating apples, and playing ultimate frisbee with his wife. He is obsessed with the high-fiber diet and is currently in the best shape of his life and enjoying every minute of it. For more awesomeness, head on over to his website at www.FiberGuardian.com